In accordance with our mission, which is to provide quality health services which meet the needs of our community, we believe that quality cancer care is the right of all individuals. Lexington Medical Center is committed to providing programs which address the emotional/spiritual needs of our patients as well as providing them with the educational tools needed for optimal health management. This is accomplished using the following services:

SUPPORT GROUPS

Link to our Calendar of Events page for monthly meeting dates.

Supporting Sisters - a survivor-facilitated support group for women who are dealing with a diagnosis of breast cancer and side effects of treatment. This group provides both educational and emotional supports. It meets monthly.

Us Too - local affiliate of national prostate cancer support organization. This group is survivor-facilitated and offers education as well as support, and meets monthly.

Support Group Network - (803-791-2800) There are weekly meetings offering support and education for patients and caregivers. Interested persons may call and obtain information about specific support groups available in our community/city/state.

Cancer Support Groups - Groups meet weekly for support and educational offerings for patients and their caregivers. LMC also provides a monthly support group for women incarcerated.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

For Body and Soul: The Healing Workshops - held four times a year, these classes offer cancer patients an alternative to traditional support group venues. In these classes, people are able to express their emotions regarding their illness, utilizing a variety of artistic media. Painting, photography, journaling and music are part of this series. Absolutely no artistic ability is needed and all materials are provided free of charge.

Look Good...Feel Better - a collaborative effort between the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association and the National Cosmetology Association, that is held four times yearly at Lexington Medical Center. Using trained stylists and volunteers, women are taught how to deal with the cosmetic effects of cancer treatment. These classes are free and open to the public.

Mobile Mammography Van - a mobile mammography facility that focuses on screening and early detection of breast cancer. Clients can be screened at offices, churches, and businesses throughout Lexington County, as well as rural areas where access to mammography is otherwise limited.

Becky's Place - an appearance center located on site at Lexington Medical Center offering a wide variety of specialized products designed to enhance one's appearance during cancer treatment and recovery. Wigs, hats, lingerie and other apparel can be purchased; two certified fitters are available for fitting prostheses. The center also houses literature and videos for check out on various cancer-related topics as well as Internet access for client use.

Return to You - a program for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients that is centered around a woman's unique needs in getting back to her optimal mental and physical condition.

I can Cope - A series of classes led by trained health care professional, covering topics such as What Is Cancer?, Dealing With the Effects of Treatment, and survivor issues. Classes utilize a curriculum developed by the American Cancer Society and are free and open to the public.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Breast Cancer Survivor's Celebration - an annual dinner held in honor of women who have experienced a cancer diagnosis, which is sponsored by the WIRE women's group of Mid-Carolina Electric Co-OP in conjunction with the Lexington Medical Center Foundation.

American Cancer Society's Relay for Life - an annual event held during the spring, Lexington Medical Center's team participates in this 12-hour event to raise money for the support of local cancer programs administered by the American Cancer Society. Each team has at least one member walking on the track at all times during the 12-hour relay. The highlight of this event is the luminary service when the lights are dimmed and luminaries, purchased in honor of or in memory of cancer patients, light the track. It is a time of celebration and a time to share tears and memories with family members with whom we have had the privilege of working while caring for their loved ones.

2005 National Cancer Survivor Day Celebration - dinner held at the Sheraton in honor of cancer survivors with as guest speaker.

Men’s Night Out: a yearly awareness and educational event to highlight. September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The evening opens with Health and wellness exhibits, information on prostate cancer risks and screening recommendations, as well as free PSA screens for interested participants. Physician speakers update attendees on recent treatment advances and modalities, followed by a celebrity speaker who addresses the importance of early detection and treatment.

Women’s Night Out:  a yearly event to highlight October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with health and wellness exhibits, facials and more. Participants enjoy a fashion show, dinner and an opportunity to hear a celebrity survivor speaker discuss the importance of regular screening and early detection.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

I Can Cope - a series of educational classes addressing various cancer related topics. These classes are open to the public without charge and are taught by experts in health care related fields. The classes usually address such topics as What is Cancer? Nutrition and Healing, Discovering Resources and Celebrating Life.

Community Speaking by Invitation - throughout the year, nurse and physician speakers are available on request to educate churches, civic organizations and business groups on cancer prevention strategies and cancer awareness issues.

EARLY DETECTION INITIATIVES

Breast Health Services - a rapid detection-to-diagnosis program offered to women who have detected an abnormality in their breasts. Women are provided with a Breast Health Specialist to assist them in streamlined scheduling and coordination of care, promising a diagnosis in five working days or less. This program has reduced the lag time associated with diagnostics from weeks to days.

Community PSA Screening Initiative - program offered by our Community Outreach department with Lowe's to provide free PSA screenings in hopes of providing early detection and treatment.

Community Colorectal Screening Initiative - program offered by our Community Outreach department to provide free hemocult cards to the public, which are then mailed back to the hospital for lab to test.